LOETB welcomes new management at Laois secondary school

The Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have announced the appointments of Carole Devine as the new Principal and PJ Delaney as the new Deputy Principal at St. Fergal’s College, Rathdowney.

Ms Devine has served as Deputy Principal since 2022 and previously worked as a teacher and member of the middle management team at Coláiste Iosagáin, Portarlington.

With extensive leadership experience, the LOETB have stated that her deep connection to St. Fergal’s College as a former student has shaped her passionate and dedicated approach to educational leadership.

"Over the past two years, she has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the school, working alongside the retiring principal, Mr Gerry Quinn," a representative said.

"Together with the dedicated staff, their collaborative leadership has driven significant progress at the school. Mr PJ Delaney will join LOETB on 7 October, bringing a wealth of experience from Coláiste Abhainn Rí in Callan, Co Kilkenny, where he currently serves as Assistant Principal and teaches Irish and Business," they said.

Pictured: LOETB director of schools Lynda Tynan, retiring principal Gerry Quinn, incoming vince principal PJ Delaney, and New principal Carole Devine.

St Fergal's College is a notorious sporting school, with students pleased to hear that in addition to his academic background, Mr Delaney is recognised for his achievements in sports, having been a key player in several All-Ireland- winning hurling teams representing Kilkenny.

"His expertise and enthusiasm will be a welcome addition to St. Fergal’s College, as he works with Carole to build upon the school's strong foundations and lead it towards an exciting future," a representative of the LOETB said.

The appointments come at a time of significant development for St. Fergal’s College. More than €7.5 million is being spent on the construction of a new two-storey modular building which has now arrived onsite.

The building will provide additional facilities including a Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) room, Engineering and Construction Studies rooms, three general classrooms, special education needs/pastoral rooms, student social areas, and a library.

"These spaces will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to support 21st-century learning," the school have said.

"A retrofit of part of the existing school will add more classrooms and tailored accommodations, further enhancing the school's capacity, particularly for the two special classes established in recent years. In addition, a new all- weather pitch, set to be completed in the coming weeks, will significantly enhance physical education and sporting opportunities for students."

LOETB’s Director of Schools, Ms Linda Tynan, also expressed her confidence in the new leadership team. 

“I look forward to working with Carole and PJ as they take on their new roles," Ms Tynan said.

"The school has experienced steady growth, and I am confident that under their leadership, it will continue to thrive. St Fergal’s College is committed to delivering high-quality education to the children and young people of Rathdowney, and I am certain that Carole and PJ will continue this strong tradition.”

Pictured: Pam Nolan, head of human resources at LOETB and principal Gerry Quinn, in front of the new modular building.
Mr. Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, also extended his congratulations, remarking, “Carole has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence since her appointment as Deputy Principal, and I have no doubt she will continue to lead with the same dedication and focus," he said.

"I am confident that she and PJ will carry forward the remarkable Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board development underway at the school, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to
achieve their full potential," he said.

"I would also like to extend my best wishes to Mr Gerry Quinn," Mr Cunningham continued.

"His leadership and dedication to St. Fergal’s College have left a lasting legacy, and his contributions to education, including his work with the Teaching Council and the Teachers' Union of Ireland, have been truly commendable. I wish Gerry a happy and healthy retirement; he will be missed by colleagues and students alike," he finished.

St. Fergal’s College, Rathdowney, is one of nine post-primary schools under the patronage of LOETB, the largest provider of education and training in Laois and Offaly.